Victory Theater: Hollywood And World War II

Rita Hayworth. Bette Davis. Jimmy Stewart. Clark Gable. Marlene Dietrich. These classic movie stars found themselves cast in new roles after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. WWII affected all Americans, including stars. They enlisted, entertained or danced with soldiers at the Stage Door Canteen. Today, the War continues to capture our imaginations with stars like Tom Hanks and Brad Pitt in wartime roles. Watch, discuss and read about the Dream Factory at war.

18.3.09

Chemistry Lessons

Sometimes an old-fashioned soundtrack makes it hard to pick up on the mutual attraction generated by shrewd casting in WWII movies. This clip proves you don't have to be explicit to generate heat. Astaire and Hayworth set sparks flying dancing to an updated soundtrack from the 1980s movie Dirty Dancing.